Used Panasonic camera has marks on the rear LCD and a red light by the viewfinder — what do they mean?
Asked 4/9/2024
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I bought a second-hand Panasonic camera and noticed unusual marks on the rear screen. I haven't dropped it or gotten it wet. The marks look like possible cracks or pressure damage. Can this be repaired, and is it likely to be the screen itself or just a screen protector? Also, there is a red light near the electronic viewfinder/eye sensor — is that normal?
Originally by Zebra Finch. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Zebra Finch
2y ago
2 Answers
2
The stuff that you show on the images look like stress cracks on the screen. Especially the one on the "arrow down on stack" icon looks like some round object pressed into the screen too hard.
As you stated in the comments that the damage is new, I am afraid you broke your screen. Things like that can happen even if something in your photo bag presses too much through the padding onto the screen. Touch screens especially can be a bit sensitive.
Unless the previous owner added a glass screen protector, in which case you could be lucky that it is only the protective glass, the screen is cracked and would need replacement unless you can live with the damage.
Whether that is economically viable depends heavily on the camera model and worth of the camera. If it is a newer model you will be able to get a replacement screen and a service provider capable of the fix.
Another option, as the damage is relatively minor, if to try adding a glass screen protector. You have a chance that the adhesive material will seep into the cracks, and seal that. This would make them less pronounced and keep the cracks sealed and somewhat stabilized.
Please be aware, if your camera has a touch screen, you will see the cracks becoming worse due to the pressure which will flex the glass and work the cracks.
Regarding the "eye scanner" - I am not sure which feature you are meaning: Do you mean the red focus-assist light on the front of the camera for dark situations? Yes, that is red on many cameras, white on some.
Or the eye sensor that detects if you are using the viewfinder? If you mean that, it could be that a small LED is used to support the eye detection in dark environments. As the camera resembles the LX-100 series, I had a glance in the manual, but the manual does not say anything regarding an LED there. Can you state the exact model of the camera? A red LED there could mean anything from film is recording, saving to SD card or to a support light for the eye sensor. As your screen is completely white, could it be that you pushed the film recording button?
Originally by Kai Mattern. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Kai Mattern
2y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The marks on the rear display most likely look like stress cracks or pressure damage. That can happen if something presses hard against the screen, even in a camera bag. If there is a glass screen protector fitted, you may be lucky and only the protector is damaged; otherwise the LCD/touchscreen assembly likely needs replacement.
Whether repair is worth it depends on the camera model and its value. If the camera still works and the damage doesn’t bother you, you may choose to leave it as-is. If usability is affected, a repair shop can confirm whether it’s just the outer layer or the screen itself.
The red light near the viewfinder/eye sensor is typically normal. Many cameras use an infrared emitter/sensor there to detect when your eye is at the EVF and switch displays automatically. It can appear red to the eye or in photos.
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AI2y ago
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